Slight Spike in Covid-19 Deaths in Chandigarh: Delta Variant Dominates, Vaccine Impact Discussed
Chandigarh, a city in northern India, has witnessed a slight spike in Covid-19 related deaths. In just 14 days, five patients have succumbed to the disease, marking a 150 per cent rise in deaths compared to the previous month. Among the deceased, three patients were above 75 years old, highlighting the vulnerability of the elderly population to the virus.
However, it is important to note that not all of the deaths can be directly attributed to Covid-19. One patient, a 31-year-old, died in a road accident and was posthumously found to be positive for the virus. Another patient, aged 81, had pre-existing conditions such as coronary artery disease and chronic liver disease, which contributed to their demise. Similarly, the virus proved fatal for a 92-year-old patient with underlying health issues. An 80-year-old patient with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary artery disease also succumbed to the virus.
Highlighting the impact of vaccination, authorities revealed that one patient was fully vaccinated, while another was partially vaccinated. It is important to note that while the vaccine does not completely eliminate the risk of contracting the virus, it significantly reduces the likelihood of hospitalization. However, for critically ill and vulnerable patients, such as those mentioned above, Covid-19 can still prove fatal. Thus, health officials emphasize the importance of wearing masks and adhering to preventive measures to avoid transmission.
The dominant strain of the virus in Chandigarh is the Delta variant, according to genome sequencing results. Out of 27 samples, the Delta variant was detected in nine, while 16 samples were found to have sub-lineages of the variant. Dr. Amandeep Kang, Director of Health Services, stated that the Delta variant has been prevalent in the city since the second wave. She further clarified that there is currently no information about the existence of the Delta plus variant in Chandigarh.
In terms of new cases, Chandigarh reported two cases of Covid-19 and one death in the past day. On a positive note, five patients were successfully treated and cured of the disease. In Mohali, a neighboring district, three fresh cases were reported with no deaths, while in Panchkula, six cases were reported with no fresh fatalities. Vaccination efforts continue across the region, with 12,599 individuals receiving the vaccine in Panchkula alone.
As the city grapples with the surge in deaths and the dominance of the Delta variant, it is crucial for authorities and residents alike to remain vigilant in adhering to preventive measures. The severity of the Delta variant serves as a reminder that the pandemic is far from over, and collective efforts are necessary to mitigate its impact.
